US20040210715A1 - Memory cards including a standard security function - Google Patents

Memory cards including a standard security function Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20040210715A1
US20040210715A1 US10/418,910 US41891003A US2004210715A1 US 20040210715 A1 US20040210715 A1 US 20040210715A1 US 41891003 A US41891003 A US 41891003A US 2004210715 A1 US2004210715 A1 US 2004210715A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
card
memory
sim
contacts
controller
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
US10/418,910
Other versions
US7305535B2 (en
Inventor
Eliyahou Harari
Yoram Cedar
Wesley Brewer
Yosi Pinto
Reuven Elhamias
Micky Holtzman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
SanDisk Technologies LLC
Original Assignee
SanDisk Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by SanDisk Corp filed Critical SanDisk Corp
Assigned to SANDISK CORPORATION reassignment SANDISK CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HARARI, ELIYAHOU, BREWER, WESLEY G., PINTO, YOSI, ELHAMIAS, REUVEN, HOLTZMAN, MICKY, CEDAR, YORAM
Priority to US10/418,910 priority Critical patent/US7305535B2/en
Priority to EP05077847A priority patent/EP1679641B1/en
Priority to JP2006507173A priority patent/JP4937736B2/en
Priority to PCT/US2004/007782 priority patent/WO2004095365A1/en
Priority to DE602004029878T priority patent/DE602004029878D1/en
Priority to AT04719867T priority patent/ATE487198T1/en
Priority to KR1020117011886A priority patent/KR101097367B1/en
Priority to AT05077847T priority patent/ATE518204T1/en
Priority to EP10009241A priority patent/EP2256669A3/en
Priority to EP04719867A priority patent/EP1614063B1/en
Priority to CN2009101788444A priority patent/CN101702202B/en
Priority to CN200480014148A priority patent/CN100590648C/en
Priority to TW093108524A priority patent/TWI338864B/en
Publication of US20040210715A1 publication Critical patent/US20040210715A1/en
Priority to KR1020057019760A priority patent/KR101097384B1/en
Priority to US11/946,558 priority patent/US8019942B2/en
Publication of US7305535B2 publication Critical patent/US7305535B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Assigned to SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES INC. reassignment SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SANDISK CORPORATION
Priority to US13/209,788 priority patent/US8539183B2/en
Assigned to SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC reassignment SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES INC
Active legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F12/00Accessing, addressing or allocating within memory systems or architectures
    • G06F12/14Protection against unauthorised use of memory or access to memory
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/0719Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips at least one of the integrated circuit chips comprising an arrangement for application selection, e.g. an acceleration sensor or a set of radio buttons
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/0772Physical layout of the record carrier
    • G06K19/07732Physical layout of the record carrier the record carrier having a housing or construction similar to well-known portable memory devices, such as SD cards, USB or memory sticks
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/0772Physical layout of the record carrier
    • G06K19/07733Physical layout of the record carrier the record carrier containing at least one further contact interface not conform ISO-7816
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/07743External electrical contacts

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to the use and structure of removable electronic circuit cards having different mechanical and/or electrical interfaces.
  • Electronic circuit cards including non-volatile memory cards, have been commercially implemented according to a number of well-known standards.
  • Memory cards are used with personal computers, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, digital cameras, portable audio players and other host electronic devices for the storage of large amounts of data.
  • Such cards usually contain a non-volatile semiconductor memory cell array along with a controller that controls operation of the memory cell array and interfaces with a host to which the card connected.
  • Several of the same type of card may be interchanged in a host card slot designed to accept that type of card.
  • a card made according to one standard is usually not useable with a host designed to operate with a card of another standard.
  • PC Card Standard provides specifications for three types of PC Cards. Originally released in 1990, the PC Card Standard now contemplates three forms of a rectangular card measuring 85.6 mm. by 54.0 mm., having thicknesses of 3.3 mm. (Type I), 5.0 mm. (Type II) and 10.5 mm. (Type III). An electrical connector, which engages pins of a slot in which the card is removably inserted, is provided along a narrow edge of the card. PC Card slots are included in current notebook personal computers, as well as in other host equipment, particularly portable devices.
  • the PC Card Standard is a product of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA). The latest release of the PC Card Standard from the PCMCIA is dated February 1995, which standard is incorporated herein by this reference.
  • PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card International Association
  • CFTM card CompactFlashTM card
  • the CFTM card is rectangularly shaped with dimensions of 43 mm. by 36 mm. and a thickness of 3.3 mm., and has a female pin connector along one edge.
  • the CFTM card is widely used with cameras for the storage of video data.
  • a passive adapter card is available, in which the CFTM card fits, that then can be inserted into a PC Card slot of a host computer or other device.
  • the controller within the CFTM card operates with the card's flash memory to provide an ATA interface at its connector.
  • the SmartMediaTM card is about one-third the size of a PC Card, having dimensions of 45.0 mm. by 37.0 mm. and is very thin at only 0.76 mm. thick. Contacts are provided in a defined pattern as areas on a surface of the card. Its specifications have been defined by the Solid State Floppy Disk Card (SSFDC) Forum, which began in 1996. It contains flash memory, particularly of the NAND type.
  • SSFDC Solid State Floppy Disk Card
  • the SmartMediaTM card is intended for use with portable electronic devices, particularly cameras and audio devices, for storing large amounts of data.
  • a memory controller is included either in the host device or in an adapter card in another format such as one according to the PC Card standard. Physical and electrical specifications for the SmartMediaTM card have been issued by the SSFDC Forum, a current version of this standard being 1.0, which standard is incorporated herein by this reference.
  • MMCTM MultiMediaCard
  • the physical and electrical specifications for the MMC are given in “The MultiMediaCard System Specification” that is updated and published from time-to-time by the MultiMediaCard Association (MMCA). Version 3.1 of that Specification, dated June 2001, is expressly incorporated herein by this reference.
  • MMCTM products having varying storage capacity up to 128 megabytes in a single card are currently available from SanDisk Corporation.
  • the MMCTM card is rectangularly shaped with a size similar to that of a postage stamp. The card's dimensions are 32.0 mm. by 24.0 mm. and 1.4 mm.
  • a modified version of the MMCTM card is the later Secure Digital (SD) card.
  • SD Card has the same rectangular size as the MMC card but with an increased thickness (2.1 mm.) in order to accommodate an additional memory chip when that is desired.
  • a primary difference between these two cards is the inclusion in the SD card of security features for its use to store and copy protect proprietary data such as that of music.
  • Another difference between them is that the SD Card includes additional data contacts in order to enable faster data transfer between the card and a host.
  • the other contacts of the SD Card are the same as those of the MMCTM card in order that sockets designed to accept the SD Card can also be made to accept the MMCTM card. This is described in PCT published application no.
  • a memory controller includes a microprocessor that manages operation of the memory and performs some limited operations on data being written to or read from the memory. Specifications for the SD card are available to member companies from the SD Association (SDA).
  • SIM Subscriber Identity Module
  • ETSI European Telecommunications Standards Institute
  • GSM 11.11 a recent version being technical specification ETSI TS 100 977 V8.3.0 (2000-08), entitled “Digital Cellular Telecommunications System (Phase 2+); Specification of the Subscriber Identity Module-Mobile Equipment (SIM-ME) Interface,” (GSM 11.11 Version 8.3.0 Release 1999 ).
  • ID-1 SIM an ID-1 SIM and a Plug-in SIM.
  • a primary component of each SIM card is a SIM integrated circuit chip.
  • the ID-1 SIM card has a format and layout according to the ISO/IEC 7810 and 7816 standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
  • the ISO/IEC 7810 standard is entitled “Identification cards-Physical characteristics,” second edition, August 1995.
  • the ISO/IEC 7816 standard has the general title of “Identification cards-Integrated Circuit(s) Cards with Contacts,” and consists of parts 1-10 that carry individual dates from 1994 through 2000. These standards, copies of which are available from the ISO/IEC in Geneva, Switzerland, are expressly incorporated herein by this reference.
  • the ID-1 SIM card is generally the size of a credit card, having dimensions of 85.60 mm.
  • Smart Card One application of a Smart Card is as a debit card where an initial credit balance is decreased every time it is used to purchase a product or a service.
  • the Plug-in SIM is a very small card, smaller than the MMCTM and SD cards.
  • the GSM 11.11 specification referenced above calls for this card to be a rectangle 25 mm. by 15 mm., with one corner cut off for orientation, and with the same thickness as the ID-1 SIM card.
  • a primary use of the Plug-in SIM card is in mobile telephones and other portable devices. In both types of cards including the SIM, eight electrical contacts (but with as few as five being used) are specified in the ISO/IEC 7816 standard to be arranged on a surface of the card for contact by a host receptacle.
  • SIM provides a level of security for the device in which it is used.
  • the device is authenticated by the communications network sending a random number to the device that is processed by a given algorithm, and the result is sent back to the network.
  • the network compares that result with one it calculates itself by use of the same algorithm. If the results match, communication by the device over the network is enabled.
  • a subscriber authentication key is stored in the SIM for use in this and other security algorithms.
  • the SIM can also operate to control and support various operations of the device in which it is removably installed.
  • SIM integrated circuit chip is conveniently incorporated within the memory card. This is described in PCT published application no. WO 02/13021 of Robert Wallace, Wesley Brewer and Yosi Pinto, published Feb. 14, 2002, which publication is incorporated herein by this reference.
  • a SIM chip within either a MMC or a SD card shares the memory card's external contacts for access by a host system with which the memory card is connected.
  • Sony Corporation has commercialized a non-volatile memory card, sold as the Memory StickTM, that has yet another set of specifications. Its shape is that of an elongated rectangle having electrical contacts on a surface adjacent one of its short sides. The electrical interface through these contacts with a host to which it is connected is unique. No microprocessor or other processing unit is included in the card but rather the host with which it is removably inserted provides the necessary intelligence.
  • a single small card combines the functions of two or more of the card standards.
  • the combination card has a physical arrangement according to either one of these two or more card standards, or, alternatively, according to yet another card standard.
  • One of the functions included in the card is a significant amount of non-volatile memory and a memory controller of a first card standard.
  • the function of a second card standard operates to control access to that memory system and/or encrypt and decrypt data stored in the memory.
  • operations according to the second card standard are controlled by the memory controller of the first card standard.
  • protocol standards of both of the first and second card standards are separately implemented in one package having a physical shape according to either one of the first or second card standards, either sharing a common set of external package contacts or utilizing separate sets of contacts according to both of the first and second card standards.
  • the SIM function is combined with the non-volatile flash memory and its controller according to the MMC or SD card standards.
  • the physical format of the combined card is made to be that of one of the Plug-in SIM, MMCTM or SD card.
  • the Plug-in SIM card format is used with a few external electrical contacts being added to those of the Plug-in SIM standard as may be necessary for operation of the memory according to either of the MMCTM or the SD standards.
  • a SIM integrated circuit chip is included in a card with physical characteristics and contacts according to either of the MMC or SD card standards. In both examples, the SIM chip is connected with the memory controller in a manner to both be accessible by the host through the card contacts and to operate with the controller.
  • a security code inputted to the card from the host can, for example, be verified on the SIM chip and the memory controller responsively enabled to operate the card's memory when the inputted security code matches that stored in the SIM chip.
  • Use of the SIM function or chip, which provide security in a wide variety of applications, in conjunction with the memory allows improving security of the memory at a reasonable cost. The number of applications of existing memory cards described in the Background above, where improved security is important, is increased when a SIM circuit chip is added.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B show one example, in respective physical and logical views, of the SIM function and non-volatile memory combined into a single card of one configuration and with separate sets of external contacts provided;
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B show another example, in respective physical and logical views, of the SIM function and non-volatile memory combined into a single card of a different configuration and with separate sets of external contacts provided;
  • FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a system including the combination of the SIM function and non-volatile memory in a single card with a single set of external contacts;
  • FIG. 4 is an electronic block diagram of the system of FIG. 3, showing details of its controller
  • FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of a portion of the system of FIG. 4 when implemented in a card having external contacts of a SD card;
  • FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6 C illustrate three of the operational connections of. the switches of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a command data structure used with the card system illustrated in FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 8 is an operating flow chart of the card system of FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 9 shows an SD card in which the system of FIGS. 4 and 5 may be embodied
  • FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a portion of the system of FIG. 4 when implemented in a card having external contacts of a Plug-in SIM card and additional contacts;
  • FIG. 11 shows a card according to the Plug-in SIM format with a modified set of contacts in which the system of FIGS. 4 and 10 may be embodied.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B An example memory card 11 is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B to have two sets 13 and 15 of electrical contacts on an outside surface that follow two different existing card standards.
  • the contacts 13 are provided in a row along a short edge of the card that has a cut off corner, following either the MMC or SD card specifications referenced above.
  • the MMC standard calls for seven contacts M 1 -M 7 .
  • the SD standard uses those same seven contacts plus additional contacts S 8 and S 9 .
  • the MMC specifications call for a single contact through which data is passed to and from a non-volatile memory within the card, the SD specifications use four data contacts for faster data transmission, as described above.
  • the contacts 13 are connected with a memory controller 17 and flash EEPROM memory 19 within the card, according to either the MMC or SD standards.
  • the controller 17 and memory 19 may be implemented on separate integrated circuit chips or combined on the same chip.
  • the set 15 of contacts follow the ISO/IEC 7816 standard discussed above.
  • the set 15 of contacts may be placed on the same side of the card 11 as the set 13 of contacts, or on the opposite side.
  • the ISO/IEC 7816 standard contemplates the use of eight contacts C 1 -C 8 , although contacts C 4 and C 8 are not currently used.
  • the remaining six contacts are connected with a SIM 21 within the card, according to the GSM 11.11 specification discussed above, which may be a separate integrated circuit chip that is commercially available. Of course, the SIM 21 may alternatively be combined on a single integrated circuit chip with either or both of the controller 17 and memory 19 but this is more complicated and expensive.
  • the card 11 has the physical size and other attributes of either of the MMC or SD cards, depending upon whether the contacts 13 follow the MMC or SD specifications, respectively.
  • the SIM 21 can operate as it is intended, namely to enable operation of the cellular telephone or other host device in which the card 11 is installed.
  • This SIM function can operate independently of the memory 19 and its controller 17 , wherein the SIM and memory functions are simply provided in the same card.
  • the SIM 21 can also be connected with the memory controller 17 , such as by lines 23 , in order to enable access to the memory 19 at the same time that the host device in which the card 11 is placed has been enabled. This prevents access to the memory 19 except when the card 11 is inserted into the one host device, or number of devices, for which it has been configured to enable.
  • the SIM 21 may be used to enable access to the memory 19 in any host device when the user provides the correct data signals, such as a password, to the SIM 21 through the contacts 15 .
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B Another example card 12 is illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B to contain the same functional components as the card 11 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) but with a different form factor.
  • the card 12 conforms to the Plug-in SIM card standard, as does a set 14 of contacts. But to this is added a row of contacts 16 that communicate with the memory 19 through the controller 17 .
  • the contacts 16 are positioned along the narrow end of the card that contains a cut-off corner, and need not conform to a pattern of contacts of any existing card standard.
  • the memory controller 17 instead of communicating with the memory controller and the SIM through separate sets of contacts, their operation may be integrated to an extent that allows use of a card with a single set 25 of contacts, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • the format of the contacts 25 may be from one of the MMC, SD or Plug-in SIM card specifications, or modifications thereof, or according to some other published card standard. Other physical characteristics will usually be according to the same standard as the contacts, or at least primarily the same.
  • communication with the SIM 21 is through the memory controller 17 .
  • the controller 17 in addition to controlling operation of the memory 19 , is configured to recognize and pass SIM commands through to the SIM 21 without affecting operation of the memory 19 .
  • Memory commands received through the contacts 25 are handled in a normal manner to control the memory 19 without causing any effect upon the SIM 21 .
  • the SIM 21 communicates directly with the controller 17 to provide access to the flash memory 19 or otherwise operate the memory 19 .
  • FIG. 4 shows a more specific implementation of the system of FIG. 3 that uses a controller of the type found in the MMC and SD cards.
  • the controller 17 includes a host interface 27 connected with the card contacts 25 and to the lines 23 of the SIM 21 .
  • Central to the controller 17 is a processor 29 , in the form of a microprocessor or micro-controller.
  • the processor 29 operates in a normal manner to control the memory 19 through a memory interface 31 .
  • the processor 29 also recognizes and passes commands and data associated with the SIM 21 between the card contacts 25 and the SIM 21 , without any significant processing.
  • a buffer memory 35 is used for temporarily storing data to be programmed into, or just having been read from, the memory 19 .
  • Random-access-memory 37 and read-only-memory 39 are typically also provided for use by the processor 29 .
  • commands for the SIM 21 may be made to be application specific commands that are described in the MMC system specification (APP_CMD).
  • APP_CMD application specific commands
  • the processor 29 examines the next command received from the host immediately thereafter for its instructions. That next command is, according to the MMC specifications, is executed as part of operating the memory 19 .
  • a command that follows the APP_CMD command may be a command that accesses the SIM 21 by using the ISO/IEC 7816 specifications.
  • the processor 29 causes the command and any associated data packet to be sent to the SIM 21 . No operation is performed on the memory in response to such an ISO/IEC 7816 command.
  • the SIM 21 receives and executes such a command according to the GSM 11.11 or other specification to which the SIM 21 conforms.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an example wiring connection of a front-end of the host interface 27 when the signal protocols of the card contacts 25 (M 1 -M 7 , S 8 and S 9 ) are according to the SD standard.
  • the lines from each of the contacts M 2 -M 7 are routed directly to other components of the memory controller.
  • the lines from the card contacts M 1 , S 8 and S 9 are connected with respective switching circuits 26 , 28 and 30 that make connections in response to switching control signals in lines 32 .
  • Each of these switching circuits is provided with three possible connections, as shown individually in FIGS. 6A-6C, using switch 26 as an example.
  • the card contact S 8 is connected with the DAT1 line to the memory controller, according to the SD card specification.
  • the other two switches 28 and 30 operate in the same manner but are connected to different lines.
  • the switch 28 is connected with the card contact M 1 , the SIM contact C 3 (clock) and the memory line DAT3.
  • the switch 30 is connected with the card contact S 9 , the SIM contact C 7 (input/output) and the memory line DAT2.
  • the switches 26 , 28 and 30 can thus be seen to controllably connect three of the card pins to either the memory controller 17 and memory 19 or to three terminals of the SIM 21 , or, as a third connection, to connect those three terminals of the SIM 21 with the controller and memory.
  • the SIM power (V CC ) contact C 1 and ground contact C 5 are permanently connected with card contacts M 4 and M 3 , respectively, that also supply power to the controller 17 and memory 19 .
  • the switching circuits 26 , 28 and 30 may be implemented in a variety of ways including by use of a group of transistors, a set of bi-directional drivers, or a collection of logic gates to ensure that a logic signal is transferred between the various terminals as described herein.
  • the three shared contacts M 1 , S 8 and S 9 of the SD card are three data contacts added by the SD card specification to the single data contact of the MMC. This leaves the fourth data contact M 7 that is useable by the controller 17 and memory 19 for data transfers at all times, even when the SIM 21 is connected to others of the card contacts or directly to the controller.
  • Preferred physical characteristics (including external contacts) of a card implementing the circuits of FIG. 5 is the SD card, as shown in FIG. 9.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an example command data structure and a flowchart of FIG. 8 outlines responses of the controller 17 to the receipt of a command.
  • the processor 29 determines whether it is such an application specific command (block 49 ). If it is not, the processor executes the command (block 51 ) as part of the normal operation of controlling the memory 19 . If the initial command 41 does contain the MMC application specific command, the processing continues to determine (block 53 ) whether the next received command ( 43 of FIG. 7) relates to the SIM 21 or not. If it does not, the processor executes the command according to the MMC specification (block 55 ) in the operation of the memory 19 .
  • the command and all other data associated with the command are directed (block 57 ) to the SIM 21 . Whichever of the three paths 51 , 55 or 57 are taken in response to decoding a received command, a final command 45 (FIG. 7) causes execution of the command to terminate.
  • An alternative way of accessing the SIM 21 is to use a special Application Specific command to enter the SIM operating mode. After such a command is accepted by the card, it will interpret any further commands as SIM related commands until the next Application Specific command is received.
  • FIGS. 10 and 11 Another example card that includes the SIM function with the MMC or SD memory characteristics is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11.
  • FIG. 10 shows a circuit at the front end of the controller 17 (FIG. 4) that of the same type as that of FIG. 5 except that the single set of external card contacts 25 is a modified version of the SIM card, as shown in FIG. 11.
  • the contacts C 1 -C 8 are positioned on the face of the card according to the ISO/IEC 7816 specifications.
  • Two additional contacts C 9 and C 10 have been added so that the single set of contacts can handle both the flash memory, through its controller, and the SIM functions.
  • the remaining physical characteristics of the card of FIG. 11 follow the those of the SIM card except that it may be thicker in order to accommodate the additional memory and controller integrated circuit chips.
  • contacts C 1 -C 5 and C 7 -C 9 of the card of FIG. 11 are either connected directly through to the memory controller or through switching circuits 59 , 61 and 63 to either the memory controller or the SIM 21 in response to a control signal on lines 65 .
  • These switching circuits are connected and operate in the same manner as described above with respect to FIGS. 6A-6C.
  • Contacts C 2 , C 3 and C 7 are shared in this way. These switches also allow connection of the SIM 21 directly to the memory controller 17 , as described above.
  • the controller 17 , the memory 19 and the SIM 21 all receive power from common contacts C 1 and C 5 .
  • This card is preferably operated in the same manner as described above with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8.

Abstract

A memory card of one published standard, such as the Multi-Media Card (MMC) or Secure Digital Card (SD), is modified to include the function of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) according to another published standard. The controller of the memory card communicates between electrical contacts on the outside of the card and both the memory and the SIM. In one specific form, the memory card has the physical configuration of the current Plug-in SIM card with a few external contacts added to accommodate the memory controller and data memory. In another specific form, the memory card has the physical configuration of the current SD card, including external contacts.

Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention relates generally to the use and structure of removable electronic circuit cards having different mechanical and/or electrical interfaces. [0001]
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Electronic circuit cards, including non-volatile memory cards, have been commercially implemented according to a number of well-known standards. Memory cards are used with personal computers, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, digital cameras, portable audio players and other host electronic devices for the storage of large amounts of data. Such cards usually contain a non-volatile semiconductor memory cell array along with a controller that controls operation of the memory cell array and interfaces with a host to which the card connected. Several of the same type of card may be interchanged in a host card slot designed to accept that type of card. However, the development of the many electronic card standards has created different types of cards that are incompatible with each other in various degrees. A card made according to one standard is usually not useable with a host designed to operate with a card of another standard. [0002]
  • One such standard, the PC Card Standard, provides specifications for three types of PC Cards. Originally released in 1990, the PC Card Standard now contemplates three forms of a rectangular card measuring 85.6 mm. by 54.0 mm., having thicknesses of 3.3 mm. (Type I), 5.0 mm. (Type II) and 10.5 mm. (Type III). An electrical connector, which engages pins of a slot in which the card is removably inserted, is provided along a narrow edge of the card. PC Card slots are included in current notebook personal computers, as well as in other host equipment, particularly portable devices. The PC Card Standard is a product of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA). The latest release of the PC Card Standard from the PCMCIA is dated February 1995, which standard is incorporated herein by this reference. [0003]
  • In 1994, SanDisk Corporation introduced the CompactFlash™ card (CF™ card) that is functionally compatible with the PC Card but is much smaller. The CF™ card is rectangularly shaped with dimensions of 43 mm. by 36 mm. and a thickness of 3.3 mm., and has a female pin connector along one edge. The CF™ card is widely used with cameras for the storage of video data. A passive adapter card is available, in which the CF™ card fits, that then can be inserted into a PC Card slot of a host computer or other device. The controller within the CF™ card operates with the card's flash memory to provide an ATA interface at its connector. That is, a host with which a CF™ card is connected interfaces with the card as if it is a disk drive. Specifications for the card have been developed by the CompactFlash Association, a current version of these specifications being 1.4, which standard is incorporated herein by this reference. [0004]
  • The SmartMedia™ card is about one-third the size of a PC Card, having dimensions of 45.0 mm. by 37.0 mm. and is very thin at only 0.76 mm. thick. Contacts are provided in a defined pattern as areas on a surface of the card. Its specifications have been defined by the Solid State Floppy Disk Card (SSFDC) Forum, which began in 1996. It contains flash memory, particularly of the NAND type. The SmartMedia™ card is intended for use with portable electronic devices, particularly cameras and audio devices, for storing large amounts of data. A memory controller is included either in the host device or in an adapter card in another format such as one according to the PC Card standard. Physical and electrical specifications for the SmartMedia™ card have been issued by the SSFDC Forum, a current version of this standard being 1.0, which standard is incorporated herein by this reference. [0005]
  • Another non-volatile memory card is the MultiMediaCard (MMC™). The physical and electrical specifications for the MMC are given in “The MultiMediaCard System Specification” that is updated and published from time-to-time by the MultiMediaCard Association (MMCA). Version 3.1 of that Specification, dated June 2001, is expressly incorporated herein by this reference. MMC™ products having varying storage capacity up to 128 megabytes in a single card are currently available from SanDisk Corporation. The MMC™ card is rectangularly shaped with a size similar to that of a postage stamp. The card's dimensions are 32.0 mm. by 24.0 mm. and 1.4 mm. thick, with a row of electrical contacts on a surface of the card along a narrow edge that also contains a cut-off corner. These products are described in a “MultiMediaCard Product Manual,” [0006] Revision 2, dated April 2000, published by SanDisk Corporation, which Manual is expressly incorporated herein by this reference. Certain aspects of the electrical operation of the MMC products are also described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,114 and in patent application Ser. No. 09/186,064, filed Nov. 4, 1998, both by applicants Thomas N. Toombs and Micky Holtzman, and assigned to SanDisk Corporation. The physical card structure and a method of manufacturing it are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,622, assigned to SanDisk Corporation. This patent and patent application are expressly incorporated herein by this reference.
  • A modified version of the MMC™ card is the later Secure Digital (SD) card. The SD Card has the same rectangular size as the MMC card but with an increased thickness (2.1 mm.) in order to accommodate an additional memory chip when that is desired. A primary difference between these two cards is the inclusion in the SD card of security features for its use to store and copy protect proprietary data such as that of music. Another difference between them is that the SD Card includes additional data contacts in order to enable faster data transfer between the card and a host. The other contacts of the SD Card are the same as those of the MMC™ card in order that sockets designed to accept the SD Card can also be made to accept the MMC™ card. This is described in PCT published application no. WO 02/15020 of Yoram Cedar, Micky Holtzman and Yosi Pinto, published Feb. 21, 2002, which publication is incorporated herein by this reference. The electrical interface with the SD card is further made to be, for the most part, backward compatible with the MMC™ card, in order that few changes to the operation of the host need be made in order to accommodate both types of cards. In each, a memory controller includes a microprocessor that manages operation of the memory and performs some limited operations on data being written to or read from the memory. Specifications for the SD card are available to member companies from the SD Association (SDA). [0007]
  • Another type of memory card is the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), the specifications of which are published by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). A portion of these specifications appear as GSM 11.11, a recent version being technical specification ETSI TS 100 977 V8.3.0 (2000-08), entitled “Digital Cellular Telecommunications System ([0008] Phase 2+); Specification of the Subscriber Identity Module-Mobile Equipment (SIM-ME) Interface,” (GSM 11.11 Version 8.3.0 Release 1999). This specification is hereby incorporated herein by this reference. Two types of SIM cards are specified: an ID-1 SIM and a Plug-in SIM. In practice, a primary component of each SIM card is a SIM integrated circuit chip.
  • The ID-1 SIM card has a format and layout according to the ISO/IEC 7810 and 7816 standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The ISO/IEC 7810 standard is entitled “Identification cards-Physical characteristics,” second edition, August 1995. The ISO/IEC 7816 standard has the general title of “Identification cards-Integrated Circuit(s) Cards with Contacts,” and consists of parts 1-10 that carry individual dates from 1994 through 2000. These standards, copies of which are available from the ISO/IEC in Geneva, Switzerland, are expressly incorporated herein by this reference. The ID-1 SIM card is generally the size of a credit card, having dimensions of 85.60 mm. by 53.98 mm., with rounder corners, and a thickness of 0.76 mm. Such a card may have only memory or may also include a microprocessor, the latter often being referred to as a “Smart Card.” One application of a Smart Card is as a debit card where an initial credit balance is decreased every time it is used to purchase a product or a service. [0009]
  • The Plug-in SIM is a very small card, smaller than the MMC™ and SD cards. The GSM 11.11 specification referenced above calls for this card to be a rectangle 25 mm. by 15 mm., with one corner cut off for orientation, and with the same thickness as the ID-1 SIM card. A primary use of the Plug-in SIM card is in mobile telephones and other portable devices. In both types of cards including the SIM, eight electrical contacts (but with as few as five being used) are specified in the ISO/IEC 7816 standard to be arranged on a surface of the card for contact by a host receptacle. [0010]
  • One function of the SIM provides a level of security for the device in which it is used. In a mobile communications device such as a cellular telephone, the device is authenticated by the communications network sending a random number to the device that is processed by a given algorithm, and the result is sent back to the network. The network compares that result with one it calculates itself by use of the same algorithm. If the results match, communication by the device over the network is enabled. A subscriber authentication key is stored in the SIM for use in this and other security algorithms. The SIM can also operate to control and support various operations of the device in which it is removably installed. [0011]
  • For applications utilizing both a non-volatile memory card and a SIM card, the SIM integrated circuit chip is conveniently incorporated within the memory card. This is described in PCT published application no. WO 02/13021 of Robert Wallace, Wesley Brewer and Yosi Pinto, published Feb. 14, 2002, which publication is incorporated herein by this reference. A SIM chip within either a MMC or a SD card shares the memory card's external contacts for access by a host system with which the memory card is connected. [0012]
  • Sony Corporation has commercialized a non-volatile memory card, sold as the Memory Stick™, that has yet another set of specifications. Its shape is that of an elongated rectangle having electrical contacts on a surface adjacent one of its short sides. The electrical interface through these contacts with a host to which it is connected is unique. No microprocessor or other processing unit is included in the card but rather the host with which it is removably inserted provides the necessary intelligence. [0013]
  • As is apparent from the foregoing summary of the primary electronic card standards, there are many differences in their physical characteristics including size and shape, in the number, arrangement and structure of electrical contacts and in the electrical interface with a host system through those contacts when the card is inserted into the host card slot. Differences also exist in the amount of control and data processing that occur within the cards. Adaptors, both active and passive types, allow some degree of interchangeability of electronic cards among such host devices. U.S. Pat. No. 6,266,724 of Harari et al. describes uses of combinations of mother and daughter memory cards, which patent is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. [0014]
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • A single small card combines the functions of two or more of the card standards. The combination card has a physical arrangement according to either one of these two or more card standards, or, alternatively, according to yet another card standard. One of the functions included in the card is a significant amount of non-volatile memory and a memory controller of a first card standard. According to one specific feature of the present invention, the function of a second card standard operates to control access to that memory system and/or encrypt and decrypt data stored in the memory. According to another specific feature of the present invention, operations according to the second card standard are controlled by the memory controller of the first card standard. According to yet another specific feature of the present invention, protocol standards of both of the first and second card standards are separately implemented in one package having a physical shape according to either one of the first or second card standards, either sharing a common set of external package contacts or utilizing separate sets of contacts according to both of the first and second card standards. These features can be utilized alone or they can be used together in a single card. [0015]
  • In a specific example, the SIM function is combined with the non-volatile flash memory and its controller according to the MMC or SD card standards. The physical format of the combined card is made to be that of one of the Plug-in SIM, MMC™ or SD card. In one exemplary form, the Plug-in SIM card format is used with a few external electrical contacts being added to those of the Plug-in SIM standard as may be necessary for operation of the memory according to either of the MMC™ or the SD standards. In a second exemplary form, a SIM integrated circuit chip is included in a card with physical characteristics and contacts according to either of the MMC or SD card standards. In both examples, the SIM chip is connected with the memory controller in a manner to both be accessible by the host through the card contacts and to operate with the controller. A security code inputted to the card from the host can, for example, be verified on the SIM chip and the memory controller responsively enabled to operate the card's memory when the inputted security code matches that stored in the SIM chip. Use of the SIM function or chip, which provide security in a wide variety of applications, in conjunction with the memory allows improving security of the memory at a reasonable cost. The number of applications of existing memory cards described in the Background above, where improved security is important, is increased when a SIM circuit chip is added. [0016]
  • Additional aspects, features and advantages of the present invention are included in the following description of representative embodiments, which description should be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.[0017]
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B show one example, in respective physical and logical views, of the SIM function and non-volatile memory combined into a single card of one configuration and with separate sets of external contacts provided; [0018]
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B show another example, in respective physical and logical views, of the SIM function and non-volatile memory combined into a single card of a different configuration and with separate sets of external contacts provided; [0019]
  • FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a system including the combination of the SIM function and non-volatile memory in a single card with a single set of external contacts; [0020]
  • FIG. 4 is an electronic block diagram of the system of FIG. 3, showing details of its controller; [0021]
  • FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of a portion of the system of FIG. 4 when implemented in a card having external contacts of a SD card; [0022]
  • FIGS. 6A, 6B and [0023] 6C illustrate three of the operational connections of. the switches of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a command data structure used with the card system illustrated in FIG. 4; [0024]
  • FIG. 8 is an operating flow chart of the card system of FIG. 4; [0025]
  • FIG. 9 shows an SD card in which the system of FIGS. 4 and 5 may be embodied; [0026]
  • FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a portion of the system of FIG. 4 when implemented in a card having external contacts of a Plug-in SIM card and additional contacts; and [0027]
  • FIG. 11 shows a card according to the Plug-in SIM format with a modified set of contacts in which the system of FIGS. 4 and 10 may be embodied.[0028]
  • DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
  • An example memory card [0029] 11 is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B to have two sets 13 and 15 of electrical contacts on an outside surface that follow two different existing card standards. The contacts 13 are provided in a row along a short edge of the card that has a cut off corner, following either the MMC or SD card specifications referenced above. The MMC standard calls for seven contacts M1-M7. The SD standard uses those same seven contacts plus additional contacts S8 and S9. While the MMC specifications call for a single contact through which data is passed to and from a non-volatile memory within the card, the SD specifications use four data contacts for faster data transmission, as described above. In either case, the contacts 13 are connected with a memory controller 17 and flash EEPROM memory 19 within the card, according to either the MMC or SD standards. The controller 17 and memory 19 may be implemented on separate integrated circuit chips or combined on the same chip.
  • The [0030] set 15 of contacts, in this specific example, follow the ISO/IEC 7816 standard discussed above. The set 15 of contacts may be placed on the same side of the card 11 as the set 13 of contacts, or on the opposite side. The ISO/IEC 7816 standard contemplates the use of eight contacts C1-C8, although contacts C4 and C8 are not currently used. The remaining six contacts are connected with a SIM 21 within the card, according to the GSM 11.11 specification discussed above, which may be a separate integrated circuit chip that is commercially available. Of course, the SIM 21 may alternatively be combined on a single integrated circuit chip with either or both of the controller 17 and memory 19 but this is more complicated and expensive. It is contemplated that the card 11 has the physical size and other attributes of either of the MMC or SD cards, depending upon whether the contacts 13 follow the MMC or SD specifications, respectively.
  • The [0031] SIM 21 can operate as it is intended, namely to enable operation of the cellular telephone or other host device in which the card 11 is installed. This SIM function can operate independently of the memory 19 and its controller 17, wherein the SIM and memory functions are simply provided in the same card. However, the SIM 21 can also be connected with the memory controller 17, such as by lines 23, in order to enable access to the memory 19 at the same time that the host device in which the card 11 is placed has been enabled. This prevents access to the memory 19 except when the card 11 is inserted into the one host device, or number of devices, for which it has been configured to enable. Alternatively, the SIM 21 may be used to enable access to the memory 19 in any host device when the user provides the correct data signals, such as a password, to the SIM 21 through the contacts 15.
  • Another [0032] example card 12 is illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B to contain the same functional components as the card 11 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) but with a different form factor. Here, the card 12 conforms to the Plug-in SIM card standard, as does a set 14 of contacts. But to this is added a row of contacts 16 that communicate with the memory 19 through the controller 17. The contacts 16 are positioned along the narrow end of the card that contains a cut-off corner, and need not conform to a pattern of contacts of any existing card standard.
  • Instead of communicating with the memory controller and the SIM through separate sets of contacts, their operation may be integrated to an extent that allows use of a card with a [0033] single set 25 of contacts, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The format of the contacts 25 may be from one of the MMC, SD or Plug-in SIM card specifications, or modifications thereof, or according to some other published card standard. Other physical characteristics will usually be according to the same standard as the contacts, or at least primarily the same. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, communication with the SIM 21 is through the memory controller 17. The controller 17, in addition to controlling operation of the memory 19, is configured to recognize and pass SIM commands through to the SIM 21 without affecting operation of the memory 19. Memory commands received through the contacts 25 are handled in a normal manner to control the memory 19 without causing any effect upon the SIM 21. Similarly, the SIM 21 communicates directly with the controller 17 to provide access to the flash memory 19 or otherwise operate the memory 19.
  • FIG. 4 shows a more specific implementation of the system of FIG. 3 that uses a controller of the type found in the MMC and SD cards. The [0034] controller 17 includes a host interface 27 connected with the card contacts 25 and to the lines 23 of the SIM 21. Central to the controller 17 is a processor 29, in the form of a microprocessor or micro-controller. The processor 29 operates in a normal manner to control the memory 19 through a memory interface 31. The processor 29 also recognizes and passes commands and data associated with the SIM 21 between the card contacts 25 and the SIM 21, without any significant processing. A buffer memory 35 is used for temporarily storing data to be programmed into, or just having been read from, the memory 19. Random-access-memory 37 and read-only-memory 39 are typically also provided for use by the processor 29.
  • As an example, where the [0035] memory controller 17 and memory 19 meet either of the MMC or SD specifications, commands for the SIM 21 may be made to be application specific commands that are described in the MMC system specification (APP_CMD). When an application specific command is received by the controller 17, the processor 29 then examines the next command received from the host immediately thereafter for its instructions. That next command is, according to the MMC specifications, is executed as part of operating the memory 19. However, a command that follows the APP_CMD command may be a command that accesses the SIM 21 by using the ISO/IEC 7816 specifications. In this case, the processor 29 causes the command and any associated data packet to be sent to the SIM 21. No operation is performed on the memory in response to such an ISO/IEC 7816 command. The SIM 21 then receives and executes such a command according to the GSM 11.11 or other specification to which the SIM 21 conforms.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an example wiring connection of a front-end of the [0036] host interface 27 when the signal protocols of the card contacts 25 (M1-M7, S8 and S9) are according to the SD standard. The lines from each of the contacts M2-M7 are routed directly to other components of the memory controller. The lines from the card contacts M1, S8 and S9, however, are connected with respective switching circuits 26, 28 and 30 that make connections in response to switching control signals in lines 32. Each of these switching circuits is provided with three possible connections, as shown individually in FIGS. 6A-6C, using switch 26 as an example. In FIG. 6A, the card contact S8 is connected with the DAT1 line to the memory controller, according to the SD card specification. In this state, data is passed between the S8 card contact to and from the flash memory 19 through the controller 17. But when the appropriate control signal exists in the lines 32, the line from the S8 contact is connected with contact C2 of the SIM 21, as shown in FIG. 6B, thereby allowing commands and data to be communicated between the card contact S8 and the SIM contact C2 (reset). The third position of the switching circuit 26, shown in FIG. 6C, connects the contact C2 of the SIM 21 directly with the line DAT1 of the memory system. This allows for direct communication between the SIM 21 and the memory controller 17 without involving a host to which the card is connected. Authorization for a host to access the flash memory 19, for example, may be provided by this direct connection after a password inputted from the host to the SIM 21 has been verified.
  • The other two [0037] switches 28 and 30 operate in the same manner but are connected to different lines. The switch 28 is connected with the card contact M1, the SIM contact C3 (clock) and the memory line DAT3. Similarly, the switch 30 is connected with the card contact S9, the SIM contact C7 (input/output) and the memory line DAT2. The switches 26, 28 and 30 can thus be seen to controllably connect three of the card pins to either the memory controller 17 and memory 19 or to three terminals of the SIM 21, or, as a third connection, to connect those three terminals of the SIM 21 with the controller and memory. The SIM power (VCC) contact C1 and ground contact C5 are permanently connected with card contacts M4 and M3, respectively, that also supply power to the controller 17 and memory 19. The switching circuits 26, 28 and 30 may be implemented in a variety of ways including by use of a group of transistors, a set of bi-directional drivers, or a collection of logic gates to ensure that a logic signal is transferred between the various terminals as described herein.
  • The three shared contacts M[0038] 1, S8 and S9 of the SD card are three data contacts added by the SD card specification to the single data contact of the MMC. This leaves the fourth data contact M7 that is useable by the controller 17 and memory 19 for data transfers at all times, even when the SIM 21 is connected to others of the card contacts or directly to the controller. Preferred physical characteristics (including external contacts) of a card implementing the circuits of FIG. 5 is the SD card, as shown in FIG. 9.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an example command data structure and a flowchart of FIG. 8 outlines responses of the [0039] controller 17 to the receipt of a command. When an initial command 41 (FIG. 7) is received (block 47 of FIG. 8), the processor 29 determines whether it is such an application specific command (block 49). If it is not, the processor executes the command (block 51) as part of the normal operation of controlling the memory 19. If the initial command 41 does contain the MMC application specific command, the processing continues to determine (block 53) whether the next received command (43 of FIG. 7) relates to the SIM 21 or not. If it does not, the processor executes the command according to the MMC specification (block 55) in the operation of the memory 19. If the second command is an access to the SIM 21, the command and all other data associated with the command are directed (block 57) to the SIM 21. Whichever of the three paths 51, 55 or 57 are taken in response to decoding a received command, a final command 45 (FIG. 7) causes execution of the command to terminate.
  • An alternative way of accessing the [0040] SIM 21 is to use a special Application Specific command to enter the SIM operating mode. After such a command is accepted by the card, it will interpret any further commands as SIM related commands until the next Application Specific command is received.
  • Another example card that includes the SIM function with the MMC or SD memory characteristics is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 shows a circuit at the front end of the controller [0041] 17 (FIG. 4) that of the same type as that of FIG. 5 except that the single set of external card contacts 25 is a modified version of the SIM card, as shown in FIG. 11. The contacts C1-C8 are positioned on the face of the card according to the ISO/IEC 7816 specifications. Two additional contacts C9 and C10 have been added so that the single set of contacts can handle both the flash memory, through its controller, and the SIM functions. The remaining physical characteristics of the card of FIG. 11 follow the those of the SIM card except that it may be thicker in order to accommodate the additional memory and controller integrated circuit chips.
  • To do so, three of the external card contacts are switched between the memory controller and the SIM, in a manner similar to that described with respect to the example of FIGS. 5 and 9. Referring to FIG. 10, contacts C[0042] 1-C5 and C7-C9 of the card of FIG. 11 are either connected directly through to the memory controller or through switching circuits 59, 61 and 63 to either the memory controller or the SIM 21 in response to a control signal on lines 65. These switching circuits are connected and operate in the same manner as described above with respect to FIGS. 6A-6C. Contacts C2, C3 and C7 are shared in this way. These switches also allow connection of the SIM 21 directly to the memory controller 17, as described above. The controller 17, the memory 19 and the SIM 21 all receive power from common contacts C1 and C5. This card is preferably operated in the same manner as described above with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8.
  • Although specific examples of the present invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention is entitled to protection within the full scope of the appended claims. [0043]

Claims (23)

1. A memory card, comprising:
a non-volatile re-writable data memory,
a controller connected to control operation of the memory,
a plurality of electrical contacts on an outside surface of the card that are connected with the memory controller, and
a SIM function connected with the memory controller in a manner to be accessible through the outside contacts and to be able to communicate directly with the memory controller.
2. The memory card of claim 1, wherein the SIM feature is connected with the memory controller in a manner to permit operation of the data memory in response to a proper security code being received by the SIM feature through the outside contacts.
3. The memory card of claim 1, wherein the SIM feature is accessible from the outside contacts through the memory controller.
4. The memory card of claim 3, wherein the memory controller directs commands and data received through the outside contacts to either the SIM function or the data memory according to a structure of the commands.
5. The memory card of claim 1, wherein the SIM function is provided on an integrated circuit chip separate from the controller and data memory.
6. The memory card of claim 1, wherein the controller includes a microprocessor.
7. The memory card of claim 1, wherein the memory card has physical dimensions according to a Plug-in SIM card standard.
8. The memory card of claim 7, wherein the memory card includes external contacts according to the Plug-in SIM card standard plus at least two additional contacts adjacent those according to the Plug-in SIM card standard.
9. The memory card of claim 1, wherein the memory card has physical dimensions and external contacts according to an SD card standard.
10. The memory card of claim 1, wherein the memory card has physical dimensions and external contacts according to a Memory Stick standard.
11. The memory card of claim 1, wherein the controller and SIM function are connected to common ones of said plurality of electrical contacts.
12. The memory card of claim 1, wherein the controller and SIM function are connected to different sets of said plurality of electrical contacts that are spatially separated on a surface of the card.
13. A memory system card, comprising one or more integrated circuit chips providing a non-volatile memory, a controller of said memory and a separate security function, said integrated circuit chips being enclosed in a card with the memory controller electrically connected with conductive contacts provided on an outside of the card, the security function being connected with the memory controller in a manner to enable access to the non-volatile memory from the outside contacts through the memory controller in response to proper security data being supplied to the security function through the outside contacts and memory controller.
14. A memory system, comprising:
a memory system encased in a card and including a first plurality of lines connected with an external set of electrical contacts according to a first published card standard,
an added function encased within the card and having a second plurality of lines, and
a switching circuit encased within the card and connected with at least some of the first and second plurality of lines to, in response to a command received through the external set of electrical contacts, (1) connect said at least some of the first plurality of lines to specified ones of the card external contacts while maintaining the second plurality of lines disconnected therefrom, or (2) connect said at least some of the second plurality of lines to said specified ones of the card external contacts while maintaining the first plurality of lines disconnected therefrom, or (3) connect the first and second plurality of lines together without either being connected to said specified ones of the card external contacts.
15. The memory system of claim 14, wherein the added function is a SIM function provided on an additional integrated circuit chip separate from one or more integrated circuit chips forming the memory system, and the second published card standard is a Plug-in SIM standard.
16. The memory system of claim 15, wherein the first published card standard is selected from a group of card standards consisting of SD, MMC or Memory Stick card standards.
17. The memory system of claim 16, wherein said specified ones of the card external contacts include those designated by the SD card standard as data contacts.
18. The memory system of claim 17, wherein said specified ones of the card external contacts are exactly DAT1, DAT2 and DAT3 of the SD card standard.
19. The memory system of claim 18, wherein said at least some of the second plurality of lines includes input/output, reset and clock functions of the SIM integrated circuit chip.
20. The memory system of claim 19, wherein the first published card standard is a Plug-in card standard.
21. The memory system of claim 20, wherein said specified ones of the card external contacts are exactly C2, C3 and C7 of the Plug-in card standard.
22. The memory system of claim 14, wherein the added function is normally provided within a card having the second plurality of lines connected with an external set of electrical contacts according to a second published card standard different from the first published card standard.
23. A method of operating an electronic card, comprising:
including a non-volatile memory and a SIM feature within the electronic card that also has one set of external electrical contacts,
in response to receiving a command through said set of contacts, determining whether the received command is of a type for operating the non-volatile memory or is for use by the SIM feature,
if the received command is determined to be for operating the non-volatile memory, carrying out the command with respect to the non-volatile memory without affecting the SIM feature, and
if the received command is determined to be for the SIM feature, directing the command to the SIM feature without affecting operation of the non-volatile memory.
US10/418,910 2003-04-17 2003-04-17 Memory cards including a standard security function Active 2024-05-16 US7305535B2 (en)

Priority Applications (16)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/418,910 US7305535B2 (en) 2003-04-17 2003-04-17 Memory cards including a standard security function
CN2009101788444A CN101702202B (en) 2003-04-17 2004-03-11 Memory cards including a standard security function
JP2006507173A JP4937736B2 (en) 2003-04-17 2004-03-11 Memory card with standard security functions
PCT/US2004/007782 WO2004095365A1 (en) 2003-04-17 2004-03-11 Memory cards including a standard security function
DE602004029878T DE602004029878D1 (en) 2003-04-17 2004-03-11 STORAGE CARDS WITH STANDARD SAFETY FUNCTION
AT04719867T ATE487198T1 (en) 2003-04-17 2004-03-11 MEMORY CARDS WITH STANDARD SECURITY FUNCTION
KR1020117011886A KR101097367B1 (en) 2003-04-17 2004-03-11 Memory cards including a standard security function
AT05077847T ATE518204T1 (en) 2003-04-17 2004-03-11 MEMORY CARDS WITH STANDARD SECURITY FUNCTION
EP10009241A EP2256669A3 (en) 2003-04-17 2004-03-11 Memory cards including a standard security function
EP04719867A EP1614063B1 (en) 2003-04-17 2004-03-11 Memory cards including a standard security function
EP05077847A EP1679641B1 (en) 2003-04-17 2004-03-11 Memory cards including a standard security function
CN200480014148A CN100590648C (en) 2003-04-17 2004-03-11 Memory cards including a standard security function
TW093108524A TWI338864B (en) 2003-04-17 2004-03-29 Memory cards including a standard security function
KR1020057019760A KR101097384B1 (en) 2003-04-17 2005-10-17 Memory cards including a standard security function
US11/946,558 US8019942B2 (en) 2003-04-17 2007-11-28 Memory cards including a standard security function
US13/209,788 US8539183B2 (en) 2003-04-17 2011-08-15 Memory cards including a standard security function

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/418,910 US7305535B2 (en) 2003-04-17 2003-04-17 Memory cards including a standard security function

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/946,558 Continuation US8019942B2 (en) 2003-04-17 2007-11-28 Memory cards including a standard security function

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20040210715A1 true US20040210715A1 (en) 2004-10-21
US7305535B2 US7305535B2 (en) 2007-12-04

Family

ID=33159210

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/418,910 Active 2024-05-16 US7305535B2 (en) 2003-04-17 2003-04-17 Memory cards including a standard security function
US11/946,558 Expired - Fee Related US8019942B2 (en) 2003-04-17 2007-11-28 Memory cards including a standard security function
US13/209,788 Expired - Lifetime US8539183B2 (en) 2003-04-17 2011-08-15 Memory cards including a standard security function

Family Applications After (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/946,558 Expired - Fee Related US8019942B2 (en) 2003-04-17 2007-11-28 Memory cards including a standard security function
US13/209,788 Expired - Lifetime US8539183B2 (en) 2003-04-17 2011-08-15 Memory cards including a standard security function

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (3) US7305535B2 (en)
EP (3) EP1614063B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4937736B2 (en)
KR (2) KR101097367B1 (en)
CN (2) CN100590648C (en)
AT (2) ATE487198T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602004029878D1 (en)
TW (1) TWI338864B (en)
WO (1) WO2004095365A1 (en)

Cited By (35)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040255081A1 (en) * 2003-06-16 2004-12-16 Michael Arnouse System of secure personal identification, information processing, and precise point of contact location and timing
US20050252978A1 (en) * 2004-05-11 2005-11-17 Renesas Technology Corp. IC card module
US20060222170A1 (en) * 2005-03-31 2006-10-05 Payzant Nick L External system to provide an electronic device with access to memory external to the electronic device
EP1727080A1 (en) * 2005-05-27 2006-11-29 Axalto S.A. SIM with double sets of contacts protected against short-circuit
US20070028122A1 (en) * 2005-07-15 2007-02-01 Tsu-Yau Chuang Method and system for providing dying gasp support for a network component
EP1861812A2 (en) * 2005-03-24 2007-12-05 SanDisk IL Ltd Loading internal applications on a smartcard
WO2007138021A1 (en) * 2006-05-29 2007-12-06 Paschalis Papagrigoriou Method for communication with a multi-function memory card
US20080070628A1 (en) * 2006-09-19 2008-03-20 Phison Electronics Corp. Monitor apparatus for communication terminal
FR2908195A1 (en) * 2006-11-06 2008-05-09 Oberthur Card Syst Sa METHOD FOR PASSING INSTRUCTIONS BETWEEN A HOST STATION AND A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE, AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE SAME
US20080141381A1 (en) * 2006-05-24 2008-06-12 Walkoe Wilbur J Integrated delivery and protection device for digital objects
US20080228998A1 (en) * 2007-03-16 2008-09-18 Spansion Llc Memory storage via an internal compression algorithm
WO2009001335A1 (en) 2007-06-27 2008-12-31 Sandisk Il Ltd. Memory interface card with sim functions
WO2008058741A3 (en) * 2006-11-16 2009-04-16 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Method for access to a portable memory data support with auxiliary module and portable memory data support
US20090172279A1 (en) * 2007-12-28 2009-07-02 Po Yuan System For Accessing A Removable Non-Volatile Memory Card
US20090248924A1 (en) * 2008-03-27 2009-10-01 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab Multiplex mobile high-definition link (mhl) and usb 3.0
WO2009125141A2 (en) * 2008-03-31 2009-10-15 France Telecom Method of access and of transferring data related to an application installed on a security module associated with a mobile terminal, associated security module, management server and system
WO2010011534A1 (en) * 2008-07-23 2010-01-28 Rambus Inc. Reconfigurable memory controller
US20100078485A1 (en) * 2008-09-29 2010-04-01 Dynacard Co., Ltd. Subscriber identity module card
EP2192523A1 (en) * 2007-09-06 2010-06-02 China Unionpay Co., Ltd. Smart sd card and method of accessing the same
US20100243734A1 (en) * 2009-03-27 2010-09-30 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Smart cards and user terminals including the same
US20110051854A1 (en) * 2008-03-06 2011-03-03 Rambus Inc. Error detection and offset cancellation during multi-wire communication
US20110212724A1 (en) * 2010-02-26 2011-09-01 Research In Motion Limited Storage of radio information on a removable memory
US20110314068A1 (en) * 2007-02-13 2011-12-22 Itay Sherman Interface for extending functionality of memory cards
EP2456280A1 (en) * 2010-04-23 2012-05-23 Huawei Device Co., Ltd. Wireless internet module, user terminal and wireless communication method
CN102567245A (en) * 2011-12-27 2012-07-11 深圳国微技术有限公司 Memory controller for system on chip (SOC) chip system and method for implementing memory controller
FR3014227A1 (en) * 2013-12-04 2015-06-05 Oberthur Technologies MULTI INTERFACE MICROCIRCUIT CARD
EP2650828A3 (en) * 2012-04-13 2017-02-22 BlackBerry Limited UICC apparatus and related methods
US20180189002A1 (en) * 2016-12-29 2018-07-05 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Semiconductor integrated circuit cards and communication systems including the same
US10154125B2 (en) * 2012-03-29 2018-12-11 Uros Technology S.À R.L. Apparatus having a plurality of SIMs
US20200042853A1 (en) * 2016-12-29 2020-02-06 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Semiconductor integrated circuit cards and communication systems including the same
KR20200100818A (en) * 2018-02-01 2020-08-26 후아웨이 테크놀러지 컴퍼니 리미티드 Memory card and terminal
EP3840339A4 (en) * 2018-10-16 2021-09-22 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Memory card, memory card adapter, and terminal
USRE48939E1 (en) * 2009-07-23 2022-02-22 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Semiconductor memory card
US11416691B2 (en) * 2018-02-01 2022-08-16 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Electronic device
US11726686B2 (en) 2019-01-18 2023-08-15 Silicon Motion Inc. Initialization methods and associated controller, memory device and host

Families Citing this family (50)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7107378B1 (en) 2000-09-01 2006-09-12 Sandisk Corporation Cooperative interconnection and operation of a non-volatile memory card and an input-output card
US8037229B2 (en) 2002-11-21 2011-10-11 Sandisk Technologies Inc. Combination non-volatile memory and input-output card with direct memory access
US20040164170A1 (en) * 2003-02-25 2004-08-26 Marcelo Krygier Multi-protocol memory card
US20050129385A1 (en) * 2003-09-16 2005-06-16 Jmz Llc Intelligent portable memory device with display
JPWO2005122070A1 (en) * 2004-06-09 2008-04-10 株式会社ルネサステクノロジ IC card module
AU2004325175B2 (en) * 2004-11-25 2010-08-26 Telecom Italia S.P.A. Joint IC card and wireless transceiver module for mobile communication equipment
JP4817836B2 (en) 2004-12-27 2011-11-16 株式会社東芝 Card and host equipment
US7697827B2 (en) 2005-10-17 2010-04-13 Konicek Jeffrey C User-friendlier interfaces for a camera
EP1804196A1 (en) * 2005-12-29 2007-07-04 Motorola, Inc. Method and devices for data access in combined SIM and mass storage cards
EP1816593A1 (en) 2006-02-03 2007-08-08 Axalto SA Chip card connector
JP4887824B2 (en) * 2006-02-16 2012-02-29 富士通セミコンダクター株式会社 Memory system
US20100257313A1 (en) * 2006-06-02 2010-10-07 Renesas Technology Corp. Semiconductor device
KR100794965B1 (en) * 2006-06-29 2008-01-15 삼성전자주식회사 Sim card and recognition method of the same
JP2008210301A (en) 2007-02-28 2008-09-11 Sony Corp Storage medium, communication system, and control device
JP4538027B2 (en) * 2007-08-22 2010-09-08 株式会社東芝 Semiconductor device
CN101472061A (en) * 2007-12-27 2009-07-01 深圳富泰宏精密工业有限公司 System and method for tracing smiling face
US9418220B1 (en) * 2008-01-28 2016-08-16 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development Lp Controlling access to memory using a controller that performs cryptographic functions
JP2009181332A (en) 2008-01-30 2009-08-13 Sony Corp Storage medium and conflict control method
EP2465040A1 (en) 2009-08-14 2012-06-20 SanDisk IL Ltd. Dual interface card with backward and forward compatibility
CN101998397B (en) * 2009-08-20 2014-09-03 中国移动通信集团公司 Method and device for processing services by mobile terminal
EP2330541A1 (en) * 2009-11-30 2011-06-08 Gemalto SA Smart card including a memory card
CN101848558B (en) * 2010-02-02 2013-04-17 美商威睿电通公司 Software and firmware updating method and applicable wireless internet access device thereof
US7888966B1 (en) 2010-03-25 2011-02-15 Sandisk Corporation Enhancement of input/output for non source-synchronous interfaces
US8085099B2 (en) 2010-04-06 2011-12-27 Sandisk Technologies Inc. Self-calibrating relaxation oscillator based clock source
CN101883446B (en) * 2010-06-28 2014-03-26 华为终端有限公司 Secure digital (SD) control chip and data communication method
CN102014528B (en) * 2010-04-28 2012-04-18 华为终端有限公司 Wireless internet equipment, system and method
KR101107790B1 (en) * 2010-05-19 2012-01-20 에스케이씨앤씨 주식회사 Micro sd apparatus which is installed a smart card
CN101853417B (en) * 2010-05-24 2013-12-25 飞天诚信科技股份有限公司 Working method and system of CF (Compact Flash) interface information safety equipment
CN101853421A (en) * 2010-06-07 2010-10-06 武汉天喻信息产业股份有限公司 Telecom intelligent card for realizing near field communication (NFC) function
CN102289710A (en) * 2010-06-18 2011-12-21 黄金富 Secure digital (SD) memory card having function of subscriber identity model (SIM) card
CN102542130B (en) * 2010-12-09 2017-09-08 东莞广州中医药大学中医药数理工程研究院 One kind can hierarchical authorization private personal health record card and card reading device
US9635549B2 (en) 2011-09-01 2017-04-25 Nokia Technologies Oy Providing subscriber identity module function
CN102625289B (en) * 2012-03-15 2014-09-17 华为终端有限公司 Method for activating InSIM chip in mobile terminal and mobile terminal
USD729808S1 (en) 2013-03-13 2015-05-19 Nagrastar Llc Smart card interface
USD759022S1 (en) 2013-03-13 2016-06-14 Nagrastar Llc Smart card interface
US9647997B2 (en) 2013-03-13 2017-05-09 Nagrastar, Llc USB interface for performing transport I/O
US9888283B2 (en) 2013-03-13 2018-02-06 Nagrastar Llc Systems and methods for performing transport I/O
USD758372S1 (en) 2013-03-13 2016-06-07 Nagrastar Llc Smart card interface
CN103473187B (en) * 2013-08-13 2019-09-10 上海新储集成电路有限公司 A kind of system-on-chip single chip
KR102420587B1 (en) * 2014-08-12 2022-07-14 삼성전자주식회사 Memory card
USD780763S1 (en) 2015-03-20 2017-03-07 Nagrastar Llc Smart card interface
US9711886B2 (en) 2015-03-30 2017-07-18 Honeywell International Inc. SD card access door
US10292292B2 (en) 2015-03-30 2019-05-14 Honeywell International Inc. Expansion module system
USD864968S1 (en) 2015-04-30 2019-10-29 Echostar Technologies L.L.C. Smart card interface
WO2018017624A2 (en) * 2016-07-18 2018-01-25 Daniel Isaac S An apparatus, system and method of processing credit card transactions on a mobile device using a unique subscriber identification
US20190182954A1 (en) * 2017-12-08 2019-06-13 Western Digital Technologies, Inc. Memory card pin layout for avoiding conflict in combo card connector slot
CA3090348C (en) 2018-02-13 2023-09-26 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Card holder and mobile terminal
KR20210078644A (en) 2019-12-18 2021-06-29 삼성전자주식회사 Ufs memory card
CN110968536A (en) * 2019-12-27 2020-04-07 深圳市德名利电子有限公司 SIM card and SD card two-in-one control chip and control method thereof
CN111935700B (en) * 2020-07-31 2023-03-24 武汉天喻信息产业股份有限公司 Large-capacity SIM card and mobile terminal with same

Citations (73)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4614144A (en) * 1983-09-28 1986-09-30 Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. Music card system
US4882473A (en) * 1987-09-18 1989-11-21 Gtech Corporation On-line wagering system with programmable game entry cards and operator security cards
US5155663A (en) * 1990-02-19 1992-10-13 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Memory cartridge system with adapter
US5375084A (en) * 1993-11-08 1994-12-20 International Business Machines Corporation Selectable interface between memory controller and memory simms
US5434872A (en) * 1992-07-28 1995-07-18 3Com Corporation Apparatus for automatic initiation of data transmission
US5486687A (en) * 1992-01-14 1996-01-23 Gemplus Card International Memory card having a recessed portion with contacts connected to an access card
US5513074A (en) * 1992-11-16 1996-04-30 International Business Machines Corporation Tandem circuit cards
US5563400A (en) * 1993-10-06 1996-10-08 Gemplus Card International Multi-applications portable card for personal computer
US5606559A (en) * 1995-08-11 1997-02-25 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for an efficient ATM adapter/device driver interface
US5655917A (en) * 1994-12-28 1997-08-12 Molex Incorporated Connector for miniature circuit card
US5677524A (en) * 1991-10-01 1997-10-14 Gao Gesellschaft Fur Automation Und Organisation Mbh Chip card and a method for producing it
US5727168A (en) * 1994-09-26 1998-03-10 Fujitsu Limited I/O card, cable connected to the I/O card, and method for saving power of I/O card
US5733800A (en) * 1996-05-21 1998-03-31 Micron Technology, Inc. Underfill coating for LOC package
US5742910A (en) * 1995-05-23 1998-04-21 Mci Corporation Teleadministration of subscriber ID modules
US5764896A (en) * 1996-06-28 1998-06-09 Compaq Computer Corporation Method and system for reducing transfer latency when transferring data from a network to a computer system
US5778195A (en) * 1995-06-26 1998-07-07 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha PC card
US5780837A (en) * 1995-06-14 1998-07-14 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Standard card having an embedded mini chip card
US5780925A (en) * 1992-10-28 1998-07-14 International Business Machines Corporation Lead frame package for electronic devices
US5802325A (en) * 1992-07-09 1998-09-01 Gemplus Card International Mass memory card with input/output function
US5809520A (en) * 1996-11-06 1998-09-15 Iomega Corporation Interchangeable cartridge data storage system for devices performing diverse functions
US5822190A (en) * 1996-06-11 1998-10-13 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Card type memory device and a method for manufacturing the same
US5831256A (en) * 1996-02-28 1998-11-03 U.S. Philips Corporation Electronic card reader for reading cards of different formats, and portable telephone including such a reader
US5837984A (en) * 1993-05-14 1998-11-17 Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics Gmbh SMT reader for SIM-card and standard cards
US5852290A (en) * 1995-08-04 1998-12-22 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Smart-card based access control system with improved security
US5877488A (en) * 1996-04-22 1999-03-02 Stocko Metallwarenfabriken Henkels Und Sohn Gmbh Combination chip card reader
US5887145A (en) * 1993-09-01 1999-03-23 Sandisk Corporation Removable mother/daughter peripheral card
US5909596A (en) * 1995-12-27 1999-06-01 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Self-configuring PC card with connector capable of using the pin configuration of an attached peripheral to identify the peripheral
US5928347A (en) * 1997-11-18 1999-07-27 Shuttle Technology Group Ltd. Universal memory card interface apparatus
US5933328A (en) * 1998-07-28 1999-08-03 Sandisk Corporation Compact mechanism for removable insertion of multiple integrated circuit cards into portable and other electronic devices
US5975584A (en) * 1996-08-30 1999-11-02 Adaptech S.A. Carrier card with value chip
US5987557A (en) * 1997-06-19 1999-11-16 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method and apparatus for implementing hardware protection domains in a system with no memory management unit (MMU)
US6040622A (en) * 1998-06-11 2000-03-21 Sandisk Corporation Semiconductor package using terminals formed on a conductive layer of a circuit board
US6062887A (en) * 1998-08-31 2000-05-16 Motorola, Inc. Electronic device with dual card reader employing a drawer
US6062480A (en) * 1998-07-20 2000-05-16 Vlsi Technologies, Inc. Hot docking system and methods for detecting and managing hot docking of bus cards
US6069795A (en) * 1995-04-01 2000-05-30 Stocko Metallwarenfabriken PCMCIA card for receiving and contacting a chip card
US6075706A (en) * 1998-04-07 2000-06-13 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. PC card for receiving chip card
US6097605A (en) * 1995-11-25 2000-08-01 Stocko Metallwaren Fabriken Henkels Und Sohn Gmbh & Co. Contacting unit for card-shaped support elements for electronic components
US6125409A (en) * 1995-09-05 2000-09-26 Le Roux; Jean Yves Method for functionality downloading directly from a computer to a volatile memory of a PCMCIA card using direct memory access
US6137710A (en) * 1997-02-28 2000-10-24 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Connecting apparatus, and information processing apparatus
US6140695A (en) * 1997-05-15 2000-10-31 Micron Technology, Inc. Compression layer on the leadframe to reduce stress defects
US6151511A (en) * 1996-03-01 2000-11-21 Cruciani; Andrea Adapter for integrated circuit cards for cellular telephones
US6151652A (en) * 1997-06-27 2000-11-21 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha I/O card, electronic equipment using I/O card, and procedure of starting up such electronic equipment
US6175517B1 (en) * 1996-08-13 2001-01-16 Integrated Silicon Solution, Inc. Insertble and removable digital memory apparatus
US6182204B1 (en) * 1996-12-04 2001-01-30 Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. PC card capable of providing multiple and/or different card information structures to a personal computer
US6199756B1 (en) * 1997-06-04 2001-03-13 Sony Corporation Memory card, and receptacle for same
US6202109B1 (en) * 1997-12-01 2001-03-13 Nokia Mobile Phones Limited Method for transmitting a digital audio signal
US6226202B1 (en) * 1996-07-19 2001-05-01 Tokyo Electron Device Limited Flash memory card including CIS information
US6240301B1 (en) * 1998-10-29 2001-05-29 Ericcson Inc. Diversity antenna in a SIM card package
US6244894B1 (en) * 1999-03-02 2001-06-12 Nec Corporation Cellular phone battery equipped with IC card
US6279114B1 (en) * 1998-11-04 2001-08-21 Sandisk Corporation Voltage negotiation in a single host multiple cards system
US6311296B1 (en) * 1998-12-29 2001-10-30 Intel Corporation Bus management card for use in a system for bus monitoring
US6353870B1 (en) * 1999-05-11 2002-03-05 Socket Communications Inc. Closed case removable expansion card having interconnect and adapter circuitry for both I/O and removable memory
US6385677B1 (en) * 1999-11-22 2002-05-07 Li-Ho Yao Dual interface memory card and adapter module for the same
US6405278B1 (en) * 1999-05-20 2002-06-11 Hewlett-Packard Company Method for enabling flash memory storage products for wireless communication
US6421246B1 (en) * 1999-10-01 2002-07-16 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. PC card that receives chip card
US6434648B1 (en) * 1998-12-10 2002-08-13 Smart Modular Technologies, Inc. PCMCIA compatible memory card with serial communication interface
US6438638B1 (en) * 2000-07-06 2002-08-20 Onspec Electronic, Inc. Flashtoaster for reading several types of flash-memory cards with or without a PC
US6446177B1 (en) * 1998-10-05 2002-09-03 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Memory system
US6457647B1 (en) * 1993-11-16 2002-10-01 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Memory card adaptor to facilitate upgrades and the like
US6496381B1 (en) * 1999-05-14 2002-12-17 Robert Bosch Gmbh Contact arrangement and counter-contact module
US6499016B1 (en) * 2000-02-28 2002-12-24 Flashpoint Technology, Inc. Automatically storing and presenting digital images using a speech-based command language
US6524137B1 (en) * 2002-03-15 2003-02-25 Carry Computer Eng. Co., Ltd. Integral multiplex adapter card
US6612498B1 (en) * 1999-03-11 2003-09-02 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. Method and means for using additional cards in a mobile station
US6651131B1 (en) * 2000-09-06 2003-11-18 Sun Microsystems, Inc. High bandwidth network and storage card
US6665190B2 (en) * 1992-09-16 2003-12-16 James E. Clayton Modular PC card which receives add-in PC card modules
US6669487B1 (en) * 2000-04-28 2003-12-30 Hitachi, Ltd. IC card
US6687778B2 (en) * 2000-01-05 2004-02-03 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Peripheral device for information processing
US6748457B2 (en) * 2000-02-03 2004-06-08 Realtime Data, Llc Data storewidth accelerator
US6764017B2 (en) * 2001-12-28 2004-07-20 C-One Technology Corp. Multi-function electronic card
US6816933B1 (en) * 2000-05-17 2004-11-09 Silicon Laboratories, Inc. Serial device daisy chaining method and apparatus
US6832281B2 (en) * 2000-07-06 2004-12-14 Onspec Electronic Inc. Flashtoaster for reading several types of flash memory cards with or without a PC
US6842818B2 (en) * 2000-03-08 2005-01-11 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Electronic device with card interface
US6845421B2 (en) * 2000-08-25 2005-01-18 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Multimedia modular card, device for operating the same, and integrated multimedia system

Family Cites Families (46)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5248440A (en) 1975-10-15 1977-04-18 Toshiba Corp Memory access control system
JPS5793422A (en) 1980-11-29 1982-06-10 Omron Tateisi Electronics Co Dma controller
JPS62221752A (en) * 1986-03-18 1987-09-29 Fujitsu Ltd Illegal access preventing system
US4882476A (en) 1986-09-10 1989-11-21 Norand Corporation Bar code reader with enhanced sensitivity
JPH0821013B2 (en) 1987-05-13 1996-03-04 株式会社日立製作所 Direct memory access order competition control method
JP3195052B2 (en) 1992-06-25 2001-08-06 ローム株式会社 Power supply switching circuit
WO1994002552A1 (en) * 1992-07-21 1994-02-03 Eastman Chemical Company Thermosetting powder coating compositions
JPH06105271A (en) 1992-09-16 1994-04-15 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Ic memory card camera system
NL9301540A (en) * 1993-09-06 1995-04-03 Nedap Nv Chipcard with more than one chip and combined I/O line
US5405278A (en) * 1993-09-22 1995-04-11 S2 Yachts, Inc. Recess flow plate for a boat hull
US5457601A (en) 1993-12-08 1995-10-10 At&T Corp. Credit card-sized modem with modular DAA
DE4416583C1 (en) * 1994-05-11 1995-12-07 Angewandte Digital Elektronik Chip card bus for connecting different card chips
JPH08254050A (en) 1995-03-17 1996-10-01 Toshiba Corp Room entering and leaving managing device
US5784633A (en) 1996-03-12 1998-07-21 International Business Machines Corporation System for obtaining status data unrelated to user data path from a modem and providing control data to the modem without interrupting user data flow
US5752857A (en) 1996-05-24 1998-05-19 Itt Corporation Smart card computer adaptor
JPH09321165A (en) 1996-05-27 1997-12-12 Toshiba Corp Semiconductor device substrate, semiconductor device, card type module and information memory
US6069705A (en) * 1996-10-07 2000-05-30 Texas Instruments Incorporated Managing interpreter cofunctions on multiprocessor-based printer
US20020103988A1 (en) 1996-12-18 2002-08-01 Pascal Dornier Microprocessor with integrated interfaces to system memory and multiplexed input/output bus
US5974496A (en) 1997-01-02 1999-10-26 Ncr Corporation System for transferring diverse data objects between a mass storage device and a network via an internal bus on a network card
FI110399B (en) 1997-06-19 2003-01-15 Nokia Corp Wireless messaging
FR2771199B1 (en) * 1997-11-20 2002-11-15 Sagem PORTABLE CARD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING SUCH A CARD
FI116957B (en) 1998-10-29 2006-04-13 Nokia Corp The method of communication between the wireless device and the electronic device and the communication device
DE19855596C2 (en) 1998-12-02 2002-10-24 Orga Kartensysteme Gmbh Portable microprocessor-based data carrier that can be operated both contact and contactless
US6599147B1 (en) * 1999-05-11 2003-07-29 Socket Communications, Inc. High-density removable expansion module having I/O and second-level-removable expansion memory
JP4423711B2 (en) 1999-08-05 2010-03-03 ソニー株式会社 Semiconductor memory device and semiconductor memory device operation setting method
US6718274B2 (en) * 1999-08-05 2004-04-06 2Micro International Limited Integrated PC Card host controller for the detection and operation of a plurality of expansion cards
JP4348790B2 (en) 1999-09-20 2009-10-21 ソニー株式会社 Semiconductor memory device and semiconductor memory device operation setting method
JP3714104B2 (en) 2000-03-31 2005-11-09 セイコーエプソン株式会社 An image processing controller for an electronic printing apparatus and an electronic printing apparatus having the same.
JP2001307801A (en) 2000-04-17 2001-11-02 Kuurii Components Kk Connector for memory card
US6824063B1 (en) 2000-08-04 2004-11-30 Sandisk Corporation Use of small electronic circuit cards with different interfaces in an electronic system
US6820148B1 (en) 2000-08-17 2004-11-16 Sandisk Corporation Multiple removable non-volatile memory cards serially communicating with a host
JP3643539B2 (en) 2001-02-20 2005-04-27 株式会社東芝 Multi-function card having a plurality of functions, single-function chip used in the card, and operation method of single-function chip for constituting multi-function card
JP2002280097A (en) * 2001-03-19 2002-09-27 Jst Mfg Co Ltd Connector for flash memory card, connection structure using the same, electronic device using connection structure
US6945461B1 (en) 2001-03-30 2005-09-20 3Com Corporation Compact multifunction card for electronic devices
GB2374204A (en) 2001-04-03 2002-10-09 Ubinetics Ltd Electronic module
JP3865629B2 (en) * 2001-07-09 2007-01-10 株式会社ルネサステクノロジ Storage device
US7418344B2 (en) * 2001-08-02 2008-08-26 Sandisk Corporation Removable computer with mass storage
JP3813849B2 (en) 2001-09-14 2006-08-23 株式会社東芝 Card device
FR2830950A1 (en) 2001-10-11 2003-04-18 Archos MASS STORAGE SYSTEM AND METHOD, AND AUTONOMOUS AND PORTABLE MASS STORAGE UNIT USED IN SUCH A SYSTEM
JP3641230B2 (en) 2001-10-22 2005-04-20 株式会社東芝 Apparatus and method for controlling a memory card
JP2003196624A (en) 2001-12-27 2003-07-11 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Dual function card
US6862604B1 (en) 2002-01-16 2005-03-01 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Removable data storage device having file usage system and method
US6842652B2 (en) 2002-02-22 2005-01-11 Concord Camera Corp. Image capture device
US7367503B2 (en) * 2002-11-13 2008-05-06 Sandisk Corporation Universal non-volatile memory card used with various different standard cards containing a memory controller
US8037229B2 (en) 2002-11-21 2011-10-11 Sandisk Technologies Inc. Combination non-volatile memory and input-output card with direct memory access
US7797134B2 (en) 2003-11-14 2010-09-14 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. System and method for testing a memory with an expansion card using DMA

Patent Citations (76)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4614144A (en) * 1983-09-28 1986-09-30 Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. Music card system
US4882473A (en) * 1987-09-18 1989-11-21 Gtech Corporation On-line wagering system with programmable game entry cards and operator security cards
US5155663A (en) * 1990-02-19 1992-10-13 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Memory cartridge system with adapter
US5677524A (en) * 1991-10-01 1997-10-14 Gao Gesellschaft Fur Automation Und Organisation Mbh Chip card and a method for producing it
US5486687A (en) * 1992-01-14 1996-01-23 Gemplus Card International Memory card having a recessed portion with contacts connected to an access card
US5802325A (en) * 1992-07-09 1998-09-01 Gemplus Card International Mass memory card with input/output function
US5434872A (en) * 1992-07-28 1995-07-18 3Com Corporation Apparatus for automatic initiation of data transmission
US6665190B2 (en) * 1992-09-16 2003-12-16 James E. Clayton Modular PC card which receives add-in PC card modules
US5780925A (en) * 1992-10-28 1998-07-14 International Business Machines Corporation Lead frame package for electronic devices
US5513074A (en) * 1992-11-16 1996-04-30 International Business Machines Corporation Tandem circuit cards
US5837984A (en) * 1993-05-14 1998-11-17 Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics Gmbh SMT reader for SIM-card and standard cards
US5887145A (en) * 1993-09-01 1999-03-23 Sandisk Corporation Removable mother/daughter peripheral card
US6381662B1 (en) * 1993-09-01 2002-04-30 Sandisk Corporation Removable mother/daughter peripheral card
US6266724B1 (en) * 1993-09-01 2001-07-24 Sandisk Corporation Removable mother/daughter peripheral card
US5563400A (en) * 1993-10-06 1996-10-08 Gemplus Card International Multi-applications portable card for personal computer
US5375084A (en) * 1993-11-08 1994-12-20 International Business Machines Corporation Selectable interface between memory controller and memory simms
US6457647B1 (en) * 1993-11-16 2002-10-01 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Memory card adaptor to facilitate upgrades and the like
US5727168A (en) * 1994-09-26 1998-03-10 Fujitsu Limited I/O card, cable connected to the I/O card, and method for saving power of I/O card
US5655917A (en) * 1994-12-28 1997-08-12 Molex Incorporated Connector for miniature circuit card
US6069795A (en) * 1995-04-01 2000-05-30 Stocko Metallwarenfabriken PCMCIA card for receiving and contacting a chip card
US5742910A (en) * 1995-05-23 1998-04-21 Mci Corporation Teleadministration of subscriber ID modules
US5780837A (en) * 1995-06-14 1998-07-14 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Standard card having an embedded mini chip card
US5778195A (en) * 1995-06-26 1998-07-07 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha PC card
US5852290A (en) * 1995-08-04 1998-12-22 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Smart-card based access control system with improved security
US5606559A (en) * 1995-08-11 1997-02-25 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for an efficient ATM adapter/device driver interface
US6125409A (en) * 1995-09-05 2000-09-26 Le Roux; Jean Yves Method for functionality downloading directly from a computer to a volatile memory of a PCMCIA card using direct memory access
US6097605A (en) * 1995-11-25 2000-08-01 Stocko Metallwaren Fabriken Henkels Und Sohn Gmbh & Co. Contacting unit for card-shaped support elements for electronic components
US5909596A (en) * 1995-12-27 1999-06-01 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Self-configuring PC card with connector capable of using the pin configuration of an attached peripheral to identify the peripheral
US5831256A (en) * 1996-02-28 1998-11-03 U.S. Philips Corporation Electronic card reader for reading cards of different formats, and portable telephone including such a reader
US6151511A (en) * 1996-03-01 2000-11-21 Cruciani; Andrea Adapter for integrated circuit cards for cellular telephones
US5877488A (en) * 1996-04-22 1999-03-02 Stocko Metallwarenfabriken Henkels Und Sohn Gmbh Combination chip card reader
US5733800A (en) * 1996-05-21 1998-03-31 Micron Technology, Inc. Underfill coating for LOC package
US5822190A (en) * 1996-06-11 1998-10-13 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Card type memory device and a method for manufacturing the same
US5764896A (en) * 1996-06-28 1998-06-09 Compaq Computer Corporation Method and system for reducing transfer latency when transferring data from a network to a computer system
US6226202B1 (en) * 1996-07-19 2001-05-01 Tokyo Electron Device Limited Flash memory card including CIS information
US6175517B1 (en) * 1996-08-13 2001-01-16 Integrated Silicon Solution, Inc. Insertble and removable digital memory apparatus
US5975584A (en) * 1996-08-30 1999-11-02 Adaptech S.A. Carrier card with value chip
US5809520A (en) * 1996-11-06 1998-09-15 Iomega Corporation Interchangeable cartridge data storage system for devices performing diverse functions
US6182204B1 (en) * 1996-12-04 2001-01-30 Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. PC card capable of providing multiple and/or different card information structures to a personal computer
US6137710A (en) * 1997-02-28 2000-10-24 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Connecting apparatus, and information processing apparatus
US6140695A (en) * 1997-05-15 2000-10-31 Micron Technology, Inc. Compression layer on the leadframe to reduce stress defects
US6199756B1 (en) * 1997-06-04 2001-03-13 Sony Corporation Memory card, and receptacle for same
US5987557A (en) * 1997-06-19 1999-11-16 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method and apparatus for implementing hardware protection domains in a system with no memory management unit (MMU)
US6151652A (en) * 1997-06-27 2000-11-21 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha I/O card, electronic equipment using I/O card, and procedure of starting up such electronic equipment
US6145046A (en) * 1997-11-18 2000-11-07 Shuttle Technology Group Ltd. Universal memory card interface apparatus
US5928347A (en) * 1997-11-18 1999-07-27 Shuttle Technology Group Ltd. Universal memory card interface apparatus
US6202109B1 (en) * 1997-12-01 2001-03-13 Nokia Mobile Phones Limited Method for transmitting a digital audio signal
US6075706A (en) * 1998-04-07 2000-06-13 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. PC card for receiving chip card
US6040622A (en) * 1998-06-11 2000-03-21 Sandisk Corporation Semiconductor package using terminals formed on a conductive layer of a circuit board
US6062480A (en) * 1998-07-20 2000-05-16 Vlsi Technologies, Inc. Hot docking system and methods for detecting and managing hot docking of bus cards
US5933328A (en) * 1998-07-28 1999-08-03 Sandisk Corporation Compact mechanism for removable insertion of multiple integrated circuit cards into portable and other electronic devices
US6062887A (en) * 1998-08-31 2000-05-16 Motorola, Inc. Electronic device with dual card reader employing a drawer
US6446177B1 (en) * 1998-10-05 2002-09-03 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Memory system
US6240301B1 (en) * 1998-10-29 2001-05-29 Ericcson Inc. Diversity antenna in a SIM card package
US6279114B1 (en) * 1998-11-04 2001-08-21 Sandisk Corporation Voltage negotiation in a single host multiple cards system
US6434648B1 (en) * 1998-12-10 2002-08-13 Smart Modular Technologies, Inc. PCMCIA compatible memory card with serial communication interface
US6311296B1 (en) * 1998-12-29 2001-10-30 Intel Corporation Bus management card for use in a system for bus monitoring
US6244894B1 (en) * 1999-03-02 2001-06-12 Nec Corporation Cellular phone battery equipped with IC card
US6612498B1 (en) * 1999-03-11 2003-09-02 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. Method and means for using additional cards in a mobile station
US6353870B1 (en) * 1999-05-11 2002-03-05 Socket Communications Inc. Closed case removable expansion card having interconnect and adapter circuitry for both I/O and removable memory
US6496381B1 (en) * 1999-05-14 2002-12-17 Robert Bosch Gmbh Contact arrangement and counter-contact module
US6405278B1 (en) * 1999-05-20 2002-06-11 Hewlett-Packard Company Method for enabling flash memory storage products for wireless communication
US6421246B1 (en) * 1999-10-01 2002-07-16 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. PC card that receives chip card
US6385677B1 (en) * 1999-11-22 2002-05-07 Li-Ho Yao Dual interface memory card and adapter module for the same
US6687778B2 (en) * 2000-01-05 2004-02-03 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Peripheral device for information processing
US6748457B2 (en) * 2000-02-03 2004-06-08 Realtime Data, Llc Data storewidth accelerator
US6499016B1 (en) * 2000-02-28 2002-12-24 Flashpoint Technology, Inc. Automatically storing and presenting digital images using a speech-based command language
US6842818B2 (en) * 2000-03-08 2005-01-11 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Electronic device with card interface
US6669487B1 (en) * 2000-04-28 2003-12-30 Hitachi, Ltd. IC card
US6816933B1 (en) * 2000-05-17 2004-11-09 Silicon Laboratories, Inc. Serial device daisy chaining method and apparatus
US6832281B2 (en) * 2000-07-06 2004-12-14 Onspec Electronic Inc. Flashtoaster for reading several types of flash memory cards with or without a PC
US6438638B1 (en) * 2000-07-06 2002-08-20 Onspec Electronic, Inc. Flashtoaster for reading several types of flash-memory cards with or without a PC
US6845421B2 (en) * 2000-08-25 2005-01-18 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Multimedia modular card, device for operating the same, and integrated multimedia system
US6651131B1 (en) * 2000-09-06 2003-11-18 Sun Microsystems, Inc. High bandwidth network and storage card
US6764017B2 (en) * 2001-12-28 2004-07-20 C-One Technology Corp. Multi-function electronic card
US6524137B1 (en) * 2002-03-15 2003-02-25 Carry Computer Eng. Co., Ltd. Integral multiplex adapter card

Cited By (78)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7013365B2 (en) * 2003-06-16 2006-03-14 Michael Arnouse System of secure personal identification, information processing, and precise point of contact location and timing
US20040255081A1 (en) * 2003-06-16 2004-12-16 Michael Arnouse System of secure personal identification, information processing, and precise point of contact location and timing
US7296754B2 (en) * 2004-05-11 2007-11-20 Renesas Technology Corp. IC card module
US20050252978A1 (en) * 2004-05-11 2005-11-17 Renesas Technology Corp. IC card module
US20080257967A1 (en) * 2004-05-11 2008-10-23 Hirotaka Nishizawa IC card module
US7669773B2 (en) 2004-05-11 2010-03-02 Renesas Technology Corp. IC card module
EP1861812A2 (en) * 2005-03-24 2007-12-05 SanDisk IL Ltd Loading internal applications on a smartcard
EP1861812A4 (en) * 2005-03-24 2011-04-13 Sandisk Il Ltd Loading internal applications on a smartcard
US20060222170A1 (en) * 2005-03-31 2006-10-05 Payzant Nick L External system to provide an electronic device with access to memory external to the electronic device
WO2006126111A1 (en) * 2005-05-27 2006-11-30 Axalto S.A. Sim with double sets of contacts protected against short-circuit
EP1727080A1 (en) * 2005-05-27 2006-11-29 Axalto S.A. SIM with double sets of contacts protected against short-circuit
US20070028122A1 (en) * 2005-07-15 2007-02-01 Tsu-Yau Chuang Method and system for providing dying gasp support for a network component
US20080141381A1 (en) * 2006-05-24 2008-06-12 Walkoe Wilbur J Integrated delivery and protection device for digital objects
US7971071B2 (en) 2006-05-24 2011-06-28 Walkoe Wilbur J Integrated delivery and protection device for digital objects
WO2007138021A1 (en) * 2006-05-29 2007-12-06 Paschalis Papagrigoriou Method for communication with a multi-function memory card
US20100115200A1 (en) * 2006-05-29 2010-05-06 Paschalis Papagrigoriou Method for communication with a multi-function memory card
US20080070628A1 (en) * 2006-09-19 2008-03-20 Phison Electronics Corp. Monitor apparatus for communication terminal
WO2008055902A1 (en) * 2006-11-06 2008-05-15 Oberthur Technologies Method of passing instructions between a host station and a portable electronic device, and device for implementation
US8327036B2 (en) 2006-11-06 2012-12-04 Oberthur Technologies Method of passing instructions between a host station and a portable electronic device, and device for implementation
FR2908195A1 (en) * 2006-11-06 2008-05-09 Oberthur Card Syst Sa METHOD FOR PASSING INSTRUCTIONS BETWEEN A HOST STATION AND A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE, AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE SAME
US20100070655A1 (en) * 2006-11-06 2010-03-18 Oberthur Technologies Method of passing instructions between a host station and a portable electronic device, and device for implementation
WO2008058741A3 (en) * 2006-11-16 2009-04-16 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Method for access to a portable memory data support with auxiliary module and portable memory data support
US8950006B2 (en) 2006-11-16 2015-02-03 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Method for access to a portable memory data support with auxiliary module and portable memory data support
US20100049988A1 (en) * 2006-11-16 2010-02-25 Boris Birman Method for access to a portable memory data support with auxiliary module and portable memory data support
US8832161B2 (en) * 2007-02-13 2014-09-09 Google Inc. Interface for extending functionality of memory cards
US20110314068A1 (en) * 2007-02-13 2011-12-22 Itay Sherman Interface for extending functionality of memory cards
US20080228998A1 (en) * 2007-03-16 2008-09-18 Spansion Llc Memory storage via an internal compression algorithm
US7572152B2 (en) 2007-06-27 2009-08-11 Sandisk Il Ltd. Memory interface card with SIM functions
WO2009001335A1 (en) 2007-06-27 2008-12-31 Sandisk Il Ltd. Memory interface card with sim functions
US20090002957A1 (en) * 2007-06-27 2009-01-01 Sandisk Il Ltd. Memory interface card with sim functions
US8762640B2 (en) * 2007-06-27 2014-06-24 Sandisk Il Ltd. Method for operating a memory interface with SIM functions
EP2192523A4 (en) * 2007-09-06 2011-08-10 China Unionpay Co Ltd Smart sd card and method of accessing the same
EP2192523A1 (en) * 2007-09-06 2010-06-02 China Unionpay Co., Ltd. Smart sd card and method of accessing the same
US20100205373A1 (en) * 2007-09-06 2010-08-12 Shuo He Smart sd card and method of accessing the same
US8285899B2 (en) 2007-09-06 2012-10-09 China Unionpay Co., Ltd. SD card including smart card and method for accessing to the same based on a file system
US20090172279A1 (en) * 2007-12-28 2009-07-02 Po Yuan System For Accessing A Removable Non-Volatile Memory Card
US8462891B2 (en) 2008-03-06 2013-06-11 Rambus Inc. Error detection and offset cancellation during multi-wire communication
US20110051854A1 (en) * 2008-03-06 2011-03-03 Rambus Inc. Error detection and offset cancellation during multi-wire communication
US20090248924A1 (en) * 2008-03-27 2009-10-01 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab Multiplex mobile high-definition link (mhl) and usb 3.0
US7788428B2 (en) 2008-03-27 2010-08-31 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab Multiplex mobile high-definition link (MHL) and USB 3.0
WO2009118582A1 (en) * 2008-03-27 2009-10-01 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab Multiplex mobile high-definition link (mhl) and usb 3.0
US8959340B2 (en) * 2008-03-31 2015-02-17 Orange Method for accessing and transferring data linked to an application installed on a security module associated with a mobile terminal, and associated security module, management server and system
WO2009125141A3 (en) * 2008-03-31 2010-01-21 France Telecom Method of access and of transferring data related to an application installed on a security module associated with a mobile terminal, associated security module, management server and system
WO2009125141A2 (en) * 2008-03-31 2009-10-15 France Telecom Method of access and of transferring data related to an application installed on a security module associated with a mobile terminal, associated security module, management server and system
US20110029786A1 (en) * 2008-03-31 2011-02-03 France Telecom Method for accessing and transferring data linked to an application installed on a security module associated with a mobile terminal, and associated security module, management server and system
US8683149B2 (en) 2008-07-23 2014-03-25 Rambus Inc. Reconfigurable memory controller
WO2010011534A1 (en) * 2008-07-23 2010-01-28 Rambus Inc. Reconfigurable memory controller
US20100078485A1 (en) * 2008-09-29 2010-04-01 Dynacard Co., Ltd. Subscriber identity module card
US20100243734A1 (en) * 2009-03-27 2010-09-30 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Smart cards and user terminals including the same
US8517264B2 (en) * 2009-03-27 2013-08-27 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Smart cards and user terminals including the same
USRE48939E1 (en) * 2009-07-23 2022-02-22 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Semiconductor memory card
US20110212724A1 (en) * 2010-02-26 2011-09-01 Research In Motion Limited Storage of radio information on a removable memory
EP2456280A4 (en) * 2010-04-23 2012-09-05 Huawei Device Co Ltd Wireless internet module, user terminal and wireless communication method
EP2456280A1 (en) * 2010-04-23 2012-05-23 Huawei Device Co., Ltd. Wireless internet module, user terminal and wireless communication method
CN102567245A (en) * 2011-12-27 2012-07-11 深圳国微技术有限公司 Memory controller for system on chip (SOC) chip system and method for implementing memory controller
US10154125B2 (en) * 2012-03-29 2018-12-11 Uros Technology S.À R.L. Apparatus having a plurality of SIMs
EP2650828A3 (en) * 2012-04-13 2017-02-22 BlackBerry Limited UICC apparatus and related methods
FR3014227A1 (en) * 2013-12-04 2015-06-05 Oberthur Technologies MULTI INTERFACE MICROCIRCUIT CARD
US11037042B2 (en) * 2016-12-29 2021-06-15 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Semiconductor integrated circuit cards and communication systems including the same
US10445024B2 (en) * 2016-12-29 2019-10-15 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Semiconductor integrated circuit cards and communication systems including the same
US20200042853A1 (en) * 2016-12-29 2020-02-06 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Semiconductor integrated circuit cards and communication systems including the same
US20180189002A1 (en) * 2016-12-29 2018-07-05 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Semiconductor integrated circuit cards and communication systems including the same
AU2019214185B2 (en) * 2018-02-01 2022-02-03 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Memory card and terminal
US11416691B2 (en) * 2018-02-01 2022-08-16 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Electronic device
US11704508B2 (en) 2018-02-01 2023-07-18 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Electronic device
KR102535606B1 (en) * 2018-02-01 2023-05-22 후아웨이 테크놀러지 컴퍼니 리미티드 memory card and terminal
EP3723004A4 (en) * 2018-02-01 2021-03-03 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Memory card, and terminal
KR20200100818A (en) * 2018-02-01 2020-08-26 후아웨이 테크놀러지 컴퍼니 리미티드 Memory card and terminal
US11568196B2 (en) * 2018-02-01 2023-01-31 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Memory card and terminal
JP2021513155A (en) * 2018-02-01 2021-05-20 華為技術有限公司Huawei Technologies Co.,Ltd. Memory card and terminal
AU2019214185C1 (en) * 2018-02-01 2022-08-18 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Memory card and terminal
AU2019214185C9 (en) * 2018-02-01 2022-09-01 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Memory card and terminal
JP7200366B2 (en) 2018-10-16 2023-01-06 華為技術有限公司 Memory cards, memory card adapters and terminal devices
AU2018445738B2 (en) * 2018-10-16 2022-07-21 Huawei Technologies Co.,Ltd. Memory card, memory card adapter, and terminal device
JP2022502978A (en) * 2018-10-16 2022-01-11 華為技術有限公司Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Memory cards, memory card adapters, and terminal devices
EP3840339A4 (en) * 2018-10-16 2021-09-22 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Memory card, memory card adapter, and terminal
US11763105B2 (en) 2018-10-16 2023-09-19 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Memory card, memory card adapter, and terminal device
US11726686B2 (en) 2019-01-18 2023-08-15 Silicon Motion Inc. Initialization methods and associated controller, memory device and host

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20080067255A1 (en) 2008-03-20
EP1679641A3 (en) 2006-11-02
ATE518204T1 (en) 2011-08-15
CN101702202B (en) 2013-01-02
US8539183B2 (en) 2013-09-17
KR101097384B1 (en) 2011-12-23
EP2256669A3 (en) 2011-03-02
KR20110069895A (en) 2011-06-23
KR20060019516A (en) 2006-03-03
KR101097367B1 (en) 2011-12-23
US8019942B2 (en) 2011-09-13
JP2006523889A (en) 2006-10-19
US7305535B2 (en) 2007-12-04
EP2256669A2 (en) 2010-12-01
TWI338864B (en) 2011-03-11
DE602004029878D1 (en) 2010-12-16
WO2004095365A1 (en) 2004-11-04
JP4937736B2 (en) 2012-05-23
CN101702202A (en) 2010-05-05
ATE487198T1 (en) 2010-11-15
CN1795457A (en) 2006-06-28
EP1679641B1 (en) 2011-07-27
EP1614063A1 (en) 2006-01-11
CN100590648C (en) 2010-02-17
US20120061459A1 (en) 2012-03-15
EP1679641A2 (en) 2006-07-12
TW200506748A (en) 2005-02-16
EP1614063B1 (en) 2010-11-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7305535B2 (en) Memory cards including a standard security function
EP1597696B1 (en) Multi-protocol memory card
KR101077123B1 (en) Universal non-volatile memory card used with various different standard cards containing a memory controller
US20040064612A1 (en) Method and system for using a memory card protocol inside a bus protocol
US7355860B2 (en) Memory card with two standard sets of contacts and a contact covering mechanism
WO2010041245A1 (en) Contactless nfc enabled peripherals for multi-interface mobile memory card

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: SANDISK CORPORATION, CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HARARI, ELIYAHOU;CEDAR, YORAM;BREWER, WESLEY G.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:013991/0173;SIGNING DATES FROM 20030328 TO 20030415

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

AS Assignment

Owner name: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES INC., TEXAS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SANDISK CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:026317/0497

Effective date: 20110404

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 8

AS Assignment

Owner name: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC, TEXAS

Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES INC;REEL/FRAME:038813/0004

Effective date: 20160516

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 12TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1553); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 12